Will a dental bridge cost me the earth? No way.

If you're missing a tooth, you can simply put up with it – or do something positive about addressing the situation. Here’s how.

As we’re writing this blog, the newspaper on our desk has a two-page spread by their science editor on the potential benefits from the recent discovery that there may be life on Mars, following the discovery of water on the planet.

When you read the article quickly, you tend to forget the unbelievable leap forward in science that has allowed mankind make this discovery. Think of the sheer ingenuity that has seen us conquer space over the last half century, and dare to ‘boldly go’ where no man has previously gone.

Science truly is wonderful, and new technologies are driving an even faster rate of change. This is also true in the area of dentistry, and the boundaries of ‘what is possible’ get pushed back further and further every day.

But despite the many new-age dental treatments that are available to us today, sometimes there’s room for ‘old technologies’. Take the dental bridge, for example. It’s been around for yonks, yet it's as effective today as it was when it was first introduced to dental patients.

Remind me again how a bridge works

A dental bridge can sometimes be referred to as a tooth bridge, and itls a very common solution when your detinst is looking to repalce a missing tooth (or multiple teeth) by joining an artificial tooth to the teeth surrounding it.

In other words, a bridgign structure is used to span the gap between two healthy teeth, letting an artificial tooth fit in snugly between them.

Not all mouth shapes are the same, of course, and there can be other factors brought into play when deciding on what’s the best form of bridge for you. The most common forms include the following:

• Traditional. This is very definitely the most common form of bridge, and we’ve used it many, many times for our patients, with great success. It’s usually made of ceramics, although you may sometimes see a porcelain version out there. Your dentist will typically make a crown for the teeth to either side of the ‘gap’. It results in a very robust solution that should last as long as your normal teeth.

• Cantilever. Your dentist may opt for a cantilever bridge in situations where there is a tooth on one side of the missing tooth, but not on the other side. It’s more often than not used on the front teeth, as it can exert a lot of force to the neighbouring teeth, which can prove harmful for those larger back teeth.

• Maryland. We’re getting into more complicated territory here, as your dentist needs to fit a specially made ‘scaffold’ to ensure that the replacement tooth is fixed securely and firmly between the neighbouring gnashers.

If you're in the market for a dental bridge and are considered about the cost, you shouldn’t be. We’ve streamlined the process to such an extent that it’s highly affordable – and even more so when you choose to avail of our 0% Dental Finance Plan.

Laura Cunningham

MyDental is a full-spectrum dental practice offering the most modern and advanced treatments in functional and cosmetic dentistry. With a commitment to offering an exceptional dental service at an exceptional price, our state-of-the-art purpose-built dental clinic in Dublin 4 offers a relaxed and friendly solution to all your dental needs.

0% Dental Finance

By availing of our 0% Dental Finance, you can enjoy the highest quality dental care at equally affordable rates. You can spread the costs over three, six or nine months, offering you maximum flexibility when it comes to payment. Please ask at Reception for details.